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A talented apprentice who suffered multiple injuries when a car ploughed into his Ford Fiesta as he waited at a junction has received substantial compensation after help from his trade union, Unite the Union.
Scott Dennis, 22, from Essex was housebound for four months following the car accident on Purfleet Road at the junction of the A1306. A BMW ploughed into him when its driver swerved to avoid a van which had attempted to cross the A1306 into Purfleet Road.
Scott, who was making his way to college where he was undertaking a toolmaking apprenticeship with Ford Motor Company, suffered Serious Injuries including a Error 2042 title="Fatal Accident Claims">fractured pelvis, a fractured vertebrae, a traumatic head injury, a fractured lower right leg and neck injuries.
Housebound and in a wheelchair for four months
He was knocked unconscious by the accident and was in hospital for three weeks after undergoing surgery. When he was discharged he was housebound and in a wheelchair for four months and feared he’d never walk again.
After intensive physiotherapy he re-learnt how to walk and was able to return to work on light duties after eight months.
He had to resit the first year of his apprenticeship and missed out on gaining an additional qualification, a national diploma, because of the time he lost.
Five years on he has now completed his apprenticeship and is working for Ford but still suffers from pain in his back and needs extra time to complete his work.
He also suffers from memory loss, which affects both his work and personal life. He is unable to play football or take part in his hobbies of bmx-ing and skateboarding.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim compensation
Unite Legal Services instructed Thompsons Solicitors to claim compensation against the van driver’s insurer on Scott’s behalf.
The driver admitted liability and the insurers paid a substantial sum in compensation. He was also convicted for dangerous driving.
Scott said: “When I woke up in hospital in agony I had no idea what had happened. For the first few weeks I thought I’d never walk again. I was terrified. The last few years have been tough but I’ve been able to finish my apprenticeship.
“I’m relieved that I have this compensation. Ford has been extremely supportive in my recovery but I do worry that any future employer won’t be as understanding about my injuries.”
John Rowse, Regional Secretary for Unite the Union added: “Unite’s legal service offers free advice to our members regardless of whether they were title="Accidents at Work">injured in the workplace or in their own time. Our member suffered appalling injuries through no fault of his own. Scott has shown sheer determination and bravery by completing his apprenticeship against all odds and continuing his working career as a toolmaker.”
Kam Singh said: “The van driver was driving in a dangerous manner and as a result of this accident caused multiple serious injuries to Mr Dennis. Mr Dennis has shown great tenacity in the way he’s dealt with his injuries.”